Red Sox to honor retiring Lowell

Club will hold pregame ceremony on Oct. 2 for corner infielder

BOSTON -- The day before Mike Lowell plays his final game in the Major Leagues, the Red Sox will honor the highly respected veteran with an on-field ceremony.

There will be a tribute for Lowell at Fenway Park on Oct. 2, just prior to that day's game against the New York Yankees.

The Red Sox announced Thursday that they have designated that night as "Thanks, Mike Night" so they can honor the corner infielder for an impressive 13-year career.

Lowell broke in with the Yankees as a September callup in 1998 and was traded to the Marlins the following spring. He came to Boston along with Josh Beckett in a trade on Thanksgiving of 2005 and has been a fan favorite his entire time with the Red Sox.

"I think I made a good first impression. I went 4-for-4 the first home game," said Lowell, who is 36. "I kind of consider myself more of that working-class mentality. My personality is not this ultra-flamboyant person. I love David Ortiz. He's a huge personality that walks into the room and I think fans love him for that. That's not me, you know what I mean? At times, I wish I could capture a room the way he does. That's just not me."

But Red Sox fans formed an instant connection with Lowell like they've had with other grinders in the past. Trot Nixon and current Sox star Kevin Youkilis are two players who have been beloved for having similar grit as Lowell.

"I think that maybe that steady 'come to work, shut your mouth, play hard every day' -- I think a lot of people appreciate that," said Lowell. "This fan base is very knowledgeable when it comes to those things. To feel appreciated from a fan base like that, is, I think, very gratifying. It's kind of an explanation point with the way you go about your business."

Pregame ceremonies will start 30 minutes prior to game time, which is to be determined. It will be a special night for Lowell, who, even before the tribute was announced, had arranged for his entire family to be in Boston for his final weekend.